Devils Lake inter-ocean. (Devils Lake, Ramsey Co., Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1905, 1887-10-08
WASHINGTON.
Oberly Enforcing Civil Servlce-
Presidential Predictions.

>sCSCs AO VAOl0VAOA4 Va
laws which has been so open and flag
rant OH the part of the Democratic state
associations in this city, is to BIO stopped.
Commissioner Oberly has concluded
that it is time to call a halt. He did it,
at the behest Of the President, John
Oberly is a sleek, smooth-faccd, bald
headed, clerical-looking fellow, who has
been u rank spokesman all his life. There
can be n o doubt that he believes today, as
much as over, that "to the vlctors belong
the spoils''. Nevertheless, he accepted
an appointment as civil service commits
sioner, and he is doing his duty in that
position to the best of his ability. AS
was remarked in this correspondence
several days ago, tho executive order
No. l,issucd by Hayes, was the first blow
aimed at the political clubs in this city.
From that time on they sickencd and
died. But, with the advent of the DEM
ocratic administration the formation of
Democratic clubs began and they were
thriving when Oberly sat down upon
them. There is no doubt that the COM
missioner has strained the law, in order
to reach his conclusions; but, he reaches
them, and "gets there, just the same"
The President was advised by his Mug
wump friends in New York that the
state association business ought to cease.
Grover called i'm Oberly, and gave him
the Tip, and the famous letter was,
written.
Oberly is all old politician, and as
foxey as they make them. He wanted
a pretext for writing the letter, butthere
was none in sight. Being an Illionis
Democrat, he induced a friend to
introduce a resolution in the Illinois
Democratic Association, inviting Com
missioner Oberly to deliver an address
to them. The resolution passed, like a
man with a poor hand. Then, in reply
to that invitation to addfe.o,them, Ober-
ly wrote his reform letter. Great
scheme. Wise Oberly. Too callow as
ISOLATION. By this movement on the
administration, the Democratic party
| will lose lots Of the shows of war. It is
a new departure which tho Republicans
will hail with joy, and the Democrats
| will hayo real cause to bewail. Tho law
never was intended to abridgc the rights
Of citizenship. Any law which does
that, is an unconstitional law, and thore-
fore not binding. No matter in what
capacity a man may be employed, he
has q right to vote, to influence primar-
les and elections. He may be in the
office Of a railroad, an express company,
a banking house, or in an office of. the
government. No matter where nor how
he earns his living, he is a citizen and
has Il right to his political convictions
and the exercise of the elective franchise.
IIe can not only vote, but he may speak
and write. Business houses may issue
rules and regulations for the g]overnance
Of their employees during the Office hours
and so may the government. But, it is
absolutely impossible, because %unconsti-
tutional, for the government to control
the actions Of it's employees outside of the
Office hours. 1t is unconstitutional to
say whether tho employees shall give
away the money which he has earned to
a saloon, a church, or Il political party.
Outside ofthe Office hours, the govern
ment clerk is Il free and independent
citizen, and his rights cannot be
abridged. 1t makes no difference
whether the law be applied to a Re-
publican or a Democratic organization.
1t is unconstitutional. The men in
Office now who want to work for their
party are Democrats. But, within an
otllor year and a half, they will be Re-
publicans. What is sauce for the goose
is sauce for the gandcr. Tho original in
tent of the civil service law was, to pre-
vent Republicans in Office from con-
tributing to the campaign fund Of their
party. 1t had the desired effect, because
its constitutionality was nevor tested.
Republicans sat down under tho lash,
like meek sheep. Now that the rule is
applied to Democrats, they rise up and
kick. 1t is well. They will employ
good counsel and test tho authority OF
civil service commissioners, or anyone
else, to control their actions as citizens.
They will win, but it will DO late for
them to recover from tho effects Of the
letter of Bishop Oberly. The Republi-
cans will hope to come in and reap the
bentits, in the future. .
Tho presentation of facts and not
opinions, is the duty of g correspondent;
vet an occasional departure from the
established custom but serves to empha-
size the rule. I want to state a fact
several months in advance of it's occur
renee, and present opinions and reasons
for tho statement.
On the morning of his departure on
his western trip, there was no doubt in
the minds of the people that Groyel
Cleveland would receive a renomina-
ton at tho hands of his party; and that
there would bo absolutely NO opposition
to him in the convention. Such is the
general belief in the country even now
Every Democrat, during the next sixty
days, will express his belief that Cleye.
land will be re-nominated, and re-eloc.
tod. But Immediately after the assem-.
bling Of congress, there will DO grave
doubts expressed, and openly expressed
by Democratic leaders, of the advisable.
lty of re-nominating Cleveland. By the
first of January, there will be a general
revival OF sentiment, and not half of the
Democrats you meet will care to say
that Cleveland is their choice. By the
time tho convention meets to nominate
Il Democratic successor to tho present
incumbent of the white house, it will be